Bright Kids - 3 November 2015

The Star, tuesday 3 november 2015
special
Education
choice opens
worlds
THE STAR, TUESDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2015
2 bright kids
Global options at home

By THERESA BELLE
WITH the growth of international
schools in Malaysia, we also see a
variety of curricula that offer
specialised approaches to
education.
These programmes are often
closely structured to the
curriculum in the country of
origin for example, British

schools offer the British National
Curriculum and American
schools offer the American
syllabus.
The Australian International
School Malaysia (AISM) and
Sunway International School
(SIS) are each one-of-a-kind as
they are sole local institutions
British
The National
Curriculum is applied
in all state schools across
England, Wales and Northern Ireland and
is adapted into an international version in
British schools all around the world.
The majority of international schools in
Malaysia offer the British curriculum,
which is known for its global recognition
and acceptance.
The curriculum for children aged five to
16 is divided into four key stages Years 1
to 2, 3 to 6, 7 to 9 and 10 to 11.
Core subjects such as English,
mathematics and science are studied at all
stages, and are supplemented by optional
subjects ranging from languages to
computing.
After the International General
Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
examinations (GCSE within the UK), which
mark the end of Key Stage 4, students
typically enter Sixth Form and begin
preparing for their chosen A-Levels units.
According to Ashley Cornfoot, acting
head of primary at Garden International
School (GIS), using the English National
Curriculum as a foundation has allowed
the school to develop a relevant and
meaningful context for learning based on
an established and rigorous set of
standards that is measurable and
validated.
GIS is accredited by the Council of
International Schools and the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges, both
global accrediting bodies. This means that
their assessments and examinations are
marked externally against the standards
set by UK boards.
The context for learning in the
curriculum has been changed to represent
the schools location in Malaysia and
South-East Asia, and to reflect the
international community within the
school, says Cornfoot.
He says that the curriculum also uses
universally significant themes that are
essential to the 21st century such as
climate change, social justice and
sustainability.
offering the Australian and

Canadian syallabi respectively.
A relative newcomer in the
international education
landscape is the Islamic school
these schools offer a unique
alternative to Malaysians, a
nation that is largely Muslim.
There has been a visible
increase in schools offering the
American
Education in the
United States is
divided into three
levels: elementary school, middle or
junior high school and high school.
Students graduate with a High School
Diploma upon successful completion
of Grade 12.
This education model focuses on the
development of self for the realisation
of goals and betterment of
communities, and has been adapted
by Mont Kiara International School
and International School of Kuala
Lumpur (ISKL) in Kuala Lumpur, and
Raffles American School (RAS) in
Iskandar Malaysia through their
offering of the American curriculum.
Kerstin Mockrish, admissions
director and registrar of RAS, says that
the curriculum is modified for the host
country through several teaching
methods and subject matter.
We provide opportunity for
students to work in both metric and
imperial measurement systems, and
our resources have strong emphasis
on Asian folktales, heroes, important
public figures and historical events,
he says.
Mockrish explains that educators
observe the outcome-based education
approach through the avenues of
problem-solving and thinking skills,
communication skills, research and
organisation skills as well as
interpersonal skills.
RAS also offers the US College Board
Advanced Placement (AP) Program,
allowing students to earn college
credit within their final two years of
high school. AP test scores can be used
for admission, credit and placement in
more than 600 universities worldwide.
The programme at RAS is accredited
by the Western Association of Schools
and Colleges, which affords the school
internal authority to promote students
without the need of an external
examination.
International Baccalaureate (IB)

diploma programme too, while a
number of international schools
here have begun offering the
entire IB programme from
primary to diploma level.
These programmes are each
closely monitored by their
accreditation awarding or
regulatory bodies, and most
schools have their accreditation

renewed annually to ensure they
maintain high international
educational provision standards.
Here is a breakdown of the
international curricula available
in Malaysia, with educational
providers weighing in on various
aspects of implementation,
structure and accreditation:
Australian
The Australian
International School
Malaysia (AISM) is the
first school to offer a complete
Australian educational experience
here, from preschool to preuniversity level.
It incorporates the Australian
Early Years Learning Framework
and the Reggio Emilia approach in
preschool education, and follows the
Australian National Curriculum
from foundation to Year 10.
In Years 11 and 12, students are
offered the highly regarded New
South Wales Higher School
Certificate, which is recognised by
more than 200 universities around
the world and thus opens many
doors for AISM graduates.
According to principal
Dr Deborah Priest, AISM is registered
and accredited to deliver the
Australian Curriculum with the
Board of Studies, Teaching and
Educational Standards New South
Wales. This standard is observed in
New South Wales, Australia.
Besides highly individualised
learning, students are also supported
to surpass their learning goals the
Australian curriculum caters for
students of all ages and abilities,
including children with special gifts,
talents and learning needs, says Dr
Priest.
She says this curriculum
allows students to develop in-depth
understanding in specialist subjects
in the senior years of schooling.
Canadian
Sunway
(SIS) offers the Ontario curriculum
from Grades 7 to 11 with the option
for students to continue with the
Ontario Grade 12 (known as the
Canadian International
Matriculation programme in
Sunway College), making it one of
only 19 institutions worldwide
qualified to grant the wellrecognised Ontario Secondary
School Diploma.
It comes under the purview of the
Ontario Ministry of Education, and
must therefore follow curriculum
policies to maintain annual
accreditation.
According to principal of SIS John
Mackle, these efforts place the school
at the forefront of global education.
In terms of international testing,
student results in reading, science
and mathematics based on the
Programme for International
Student Assessment show Ontario

consistently ranking as the top
education system among Englishspeaking countries worldwide, he
says.
Students are assessed using a
70-30 distribution: 70% of their final
grade is determined by work
completed during the course, while
30% is determined by final
evaluation.
This provides a balance in gauging
learning outcomes, keeping
assessment relevant and current.
Mackle goes on to explain that
students focus on six skill areas that,
when combined with academic
excellence, provide the right
educational mix for future leaders.
These skill areas are critical
thinking and problem-solving,
effective communication,
collaboration, citizenship, character
education, and creativity and
imagination.
> SEE PAGE 4
bright kids 3
Success in a changing world

IT is important to understand the
role of school in the development
of a child. School provides a
structured environment for
education and promotes a childs
mental and psychological growth.
Although academics are
important, social skills are key to a
balanced education.
Gone are the days where school
is just a place where children gain
knowledge.
UCSI International School takes
the all-round development of
children seriously, understanding
that each child is unique and has
different needs.
It believes that school can
develop a child into a smart,
confident and respectful adult.
While the schools first
responsibility to its students may
be academics, that is not all.
Today, instead of just teaching
the alphabet and numbers, a
significant amount of schoolwork
throughout students education is
dedicated to helping them become
expert problem solvers and
solution seekers, skills that will
come in handy throughout their
life.
They should have the ability to
analyse a situation, propose a
solution and, should that solution
UCSI International School students are exposed to several activities beyond

the classroom.
not work, evaluate and try again.

A straight-A student without
social skills will not make it
through the first job interview.
Therefore, school plays an
important role in helping children
learn to interact positively with
their peers and teachers.
School is where they learn
about healthy relationship skills
and develop them further through
interactions and collaborations,
both in and outside the classroom.

UCSI International School
understands the role of school in
developing the whole child. It
understands that each child is
unique and that one method may
not work for all.
As the world we live in changes,
children need skills that will help
them navigate. Teachers in school
play a major role in this journey
that children undertake.

teachers understand the need to
help children exercise their
memory so that they are able to
remember conversations and
process instructions to make
decisions.
Students are encouraged to use
their prior knowledge as building
blocks. They are challenged to take
risks in the safe environment of
their classrooms and school as well
as taught to inquire and
investigate.
Through school, students
communicate, collaborate with
their peers and understand that
they can achieve more if they
work together. In the process,
students develop tolerance and a
global mindset.
provides a structured setting
where children can learn about
rules and regulations as well as
how to behave positively in group
settings. Students also pick up
academic knowledge needed for
the future.
The school understands that
character building is an essential
complement to academic
achievement.
Focus is placed on helping
children learn about compassion,
respect, empathy and integrity.

introduces students to a
wide range of opportunities,
nationalities, cultures and
traditions, exposing them to
different viewpoints of the
world around them so that they
are able to become global citizens.
Field trips and interactive
projects allow children to try
new things, while different
subjects in school give them
a taste of what possibly awaits
them in the future.
believes that success in life
is more than just gaining
knowledge, as life is about
the application of skills.
In this day, education should be
geared towards ensuring that the
students can transition to the real
world with minimum stress and
adjustment.
As human rights activist Martin
Luther King III has said, The
future belongs to those who are
educated and prepared to meet the
challenges and opportunities of
tomorrow.
n For more information, visit

www.ucsiinternationalschool.edu.
my
4 bright kids
Finding the best fit
> FROM PAGE 2
National
International Baccalaureate (IB)

This programme sets the
benchmark for quality international
education, encouraging both personal
and academic achievement.
Its stages are the Primary Years
Programme (PYP) for three- to
12-year-olds, Middle Years
Programme (MYP) for 11- to 16-yearolds and Diploma Programme (IBDP)
for 16- to 19-year-olds.
The MYP builds on the strong
academic, social and emotional
foundation set by the PYP. Each has
learning areas from which students
select subjects that fit the overall
educational framework.
The IBDP is more widely offered by
schools here and is lauded as
a solid, all-encompassing preuniversity qualification that grants
entry to universities worldwide.
Only IB World Schools are
authorised to offer the entire IB
curriculum, and this authorisation
process typically takes two to
three years. Verification visits
to the school and professional
development workshops for its
eductors are important parts of the
process.
The International School of Kuala

Lumpur (ISKL) was one of the first
schools to offer the IBDP here. Today,
several schools offer IBDP alongside
international curricula, including Sri
KDU International School. As an IB
World School, UCSI International
School Springhill offers the full IB
curriculum.
The stringent IB demands provide
the opportunity for schools to
strengthen their offering according
to ISKLs curriculum director Rami
Madani, the curriculum greatly
benefits from having skilled teachers
who take part in its development and
implementation.
Many of our teachers are
workshop leaders for the IB
organisation, while others are
examiners or conduct school
accreditation visits, he says.
Besides IB authorisation, ISKL is
also accredited by the Council of
International Schools and the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges.
The school offers an international
curriculum based on American
standards, leading up to IBDP or AP
for entry into American universities.
There are also

schools that offer the full,
authentic national curriculum
designed for those who
intend to further their
studies or pursue
careers in the country
of origin.
The Global Indian
International School, The Japanese
School of Kuala Lumpur, German
School Kuala Lumpur (Deutsche
Schule Kuala Lumpur) and French
School of Kuala Lumpur (Lycee
Francais de Kuala Lumpur) offer
the national curriculum of India,
Japan, Germany and France
respectively, which can be
especially beneficial to children

of expatriates who hope to return
home with their families.
These schools are closely tied
to their national accreditation
and governing bodies.
Islamic
Islamic international schools often
offer an international British-based
curriculum with emphasis on Islamic
components, including Arabic or
Quran studies.
These often go hand-in-hand as an
understanding of Arabic is beneficial
in Quran studies.
There is also the Islamic
Primary Education curriculum, a
comprehensive module for Islamic
studies offered in Idrissi International
Primary School and Greenview
Islamic School.
> See page 12

for what to
look for in an
international
curriculum.
Foster
holistic
growth
Children learn essential language skills at Q-dees.
SINCE its inception more than 20 years ago,

Q-dees has grown into one of the foremost
authorities in early childhood education in
Malaysia.
With more than 150 centres nationwide,
it has successfully prepared more than
200,000 students for private, national and
international schools.
Q-dees preschool programmes are
acclaimed for being fun and holistic,
empowering children with the foundation
they need to exponentially grow from.
The exclusive interactive multimedia and
materials are meticulously integrated to
ensure children are constantly engaged.
Q-dees language programmes are geared
to enable children to master English, Bahasa
Malaysia and Mandarin. Taught thematically
and phonetically, the lessons expand their
vocabulary while also fostering correct
contextual usage of the language.
Encompassing the essential skills of
reading, writing, listening and speaking, the
Q-dees approach nurtures the mastery of
subject matter beyond students age so that
they can confidently express themselves
in these languages regardless of their
environment.
At Q-dees, seemingly complex mathematics
concepts are made simple for children to
understand. Using Hands-on Mind-on
methodology alongside Maths Board,
children explore concepts as they learn to
count efficiently and think logically.
The science programme has been designed
to make science simple and stimulating to
learn. The lessons encourage hands-on

participation in fun and exciting experiments
to ignite childrens curiosity in how the world
around them works.
Q-dees arts and craft programme develops
childrens creativity and imagination in
tandem with the daily theme learnt.
In the programme, children are taught
a wide range of techniques such as
perspective drawing, rendering techniques
and three-dimensional modelling. These help
to strengthen their photographic memory as
well as logical and reasoning skills.
At Q-dees, the physical well-being of
children is as important as their intellectual
development.
Through the Gymflex programme, children
learn about teamwork, improve their body
coordination and further develop their fine
and gross motor skills through fun exercises,
physical activities and team games.
In line with Q-dees ethos towards holistic
development, the Q-dees Love to Life
programme ensures that its curricula are
infused with good values that teach children
how to love and care for others, be
responsible individuals and be mindful of
preserving the environment.
Q-dees has been awarded The Best
Preschool Brand for the past seven
consecutive years by the BrandLaureate
and received recognition through the
Innovation and Brand Excellence by Smera.
n For more information, call 1700 815 077

or visit www.q-dees.com
HAS your child been scratching

his or her head excessively? The
itchiness might be caused by head
lice, a common issue among
schoolchildren.
Lice are tiny, wingless insects
that can live on human hairs and
feed on tiny amounts of blood
from the scalp.
They usually dwell closely to the
scalp, at the bottom of the neck
and behind the ears.
The eggs, called nits, are firmly
attached to the hair shaft and are
very small. They remain glued to
hair strands long after the
successful removal of its adult
counterparts.
A head lice infestation has
nothing to do with poor hygiene.
It can affect all types of hair,
regardless of the length and its
condition.
Head lice in your childs hair
arent dangerous but their
infestation is highly contagious.
Lice bites can cause your childs
scalp to itch and become inflamed.
Common products are easily
available from pharmacies or
clinics to remove head lice and
nits. Non-toxic remedies such as
dimethicone are available but
efficacy has been reported to be
unsatisfying.
Products that are effective and
use natural products are the main
focus in choosing a personal care
product, considering the polluted
environment that we are already
living in now.
bright kids 5
Vitamode Delice is
effective and safe to
use to help remove
head lice.
Remove head lice

Unlike harsh industrial
chemicals, Vitamode Delice natural
hair wash is specifically formulated
to help kill hair lice and control nit
infestations.
Stemona root extract in
Vitamode Delice prevents eggs
from hatching, which interrupts
the life cycle of hair lice, while
lemon peel oil powder helps in
soothing and moisturising irritated
or sensitive scalp.
Vitamode Delice is free of toxic
pesticides, malathion (maldison)
and pyrethroids such as
permethrin, which have been
linked to birth defects, cancer,
immune system suppression,
hormonal disruption, reproductive
problems and genetic damage.
It is effective on first use (based
on the bioefficacy test performed
by the Department of Medical

Science, Ministry of Public Health,
Thailand) and is suitable for all
ages.
To use, lather Vitamode Delice
hair wash on wet hair and
massage lightly until saturated.
Cover hair with shower cap and
leave hair wash on for 10 minutes.
Rinse hair with water. To remove
dead lice and eggs/nits, use
Head lice in your

childs hair arent
dangerous but
their infestation
is highly
contagious. Lice
bites can cause
your childs
scalp to itch
and become
inflamed.
Vitamode Delice fine-toothed metal
lice comb, which is more effective
compared to plastic combs.
Nits are most easily removed by
combing while the hair is slightly
damp. You may need a magnifying
glass and bright light.
Comb the entire head from the
scalp to the tip of the hair at least
twice and rinse out the comb often
under hot running water as you
go.
You may use Vitamode Delice
Hair Wash three to five times
weekly to prevent recurrence.
This article is brought to you by
Vitamode.
n For more information, call

1300 800 228 or visit
www.medispec.com.my
6 bright kids
SPORTS-BASED activities provide

many positive opportunities for
children. However, they are at
times questioned by parents.
While many parents believe
that participation in sports will
enhance their childs school
accomplishments, some believe
that sports can get in the way
of their childs academic
achievement.
Whether sports help or distract
students from obtaining high
achievements depends on the
extent of childrens involvement
and the type of experiences they
have.
Taylors International School
(TIS) runs a full academic physical
education programme where every
child from Year 1 to Year 11 takes
part in a wide range of sports and
activities such as athletics, football,
basketball, benchball, badminton,
volleyball, rugby, netball, fitness
and gymnastics.
These lessons teach students
the basic skills to play the sport,
improve their physical fitness as
well as influence the development
of their leadership, teamwork and
communication skills.
These can develop their selfconfidence and self-esteem,
which will help in improving
their academic performance. A
healthy body leads to a healthy
mind.
Co-curricular activities also play
an equally important role in
school. TIS offers a wide range of
activities from which students can
Taylors International School Kuala

Lumpur provides students with
sporting facilities to encourage
healthy involvement in sport.
Opportunities in sports
choose and play in game situations,
which may lead to them joining the
schools sports team.
At TIS Kuala Lumpur, the sports
team is known as Taylors Thunder
and is a member of KLISS (Kuala
Lumpur International School
Sports).
Head of sport and physical
education Chris Ratcliffe stresses
the importance of school sport,
saying, Here at TIS Kuala Lumpur,
we have a comprehensive afterschool sports programme, which
allows teams to play against
students from other schools, testing
themselves in a more competitive
environment.
More than that, it allows the
students to be a part of a team,
playing to a common goal.
Students gain many different
skills from school sports-based

activities.
These include communication
skills, leadership qualities and
self-motivation, which are skills
that can be used outside the
sports arena.
The schools core values of
RECIPE are an important aspect of
what students can take away from
physical education:
l Respect A word that is used
a lot in sport, students at TIS are
taught to respect each other, their
opponents and the officials.
l Excellence Although
winning is what we all strive to do,
the school nurtures each student to
perform at his or her best.
l Communication Improving
how individuals talk to each other
and work together towards a
common goal.
l Integrity Applying
sportsmanship in all areas of play.
l Passion Not going into
things half-heartedly, but trying
and giving their best.
l Enjoyment Playing sports
with their friends can be some of
the most enjoyable moments in a
childs life.
Whether win, lose or draw, the
school makes sure that students
enjoy the experience.
It is not uncommon to encounter
parents who do not allow their
child to play sports because their
child has tuition classes to attend
or an upcoming examination to
study for.
Studies have shown that exercise
is an excellent way to relieve stress
in children, especially during

examination periods.
Thirty minutes of exercise is
beneficial to the brain and has
more benefits than an extra half
hour of revision.
The secret is having a blend of
the two. Time management comes
to the fore and a combination of
study and exercise, whether
recreational or competitive, can
certainly benefit every child.
This balance is what TIS Kuala
Lumpur strives to instil in each
child.
n For more information on the

KL campus, call 03-9200 9898 or
e-mail admissions@kl.tis.edu.my.
For the Puchong campus, call
03-5879 5000 or e-mail
admissions@pc.tis.edu.my
A strong foundation
CHILDREN in their early childhood need
to be engaged in a nurturing way at
their appropriate levels to build a strong
foundation for their desired developmental
growth, be it physically, mentally, socially,
emotionally, culturally or spiritually.
Many preschool educators and parents
may try to plan and follow an inflexible
scheme of activities that is often too
intimidating or results-focused for young
children.
These efforts are not fruitful if the correct
foundation is not laid from the start. One of
the salient features of the Krista Capable
Preschool Programme is its engagement with
young children of differing characters and
attitudes at their appropriate developmental
levels and paces of learning.
The Krista Capable Preschool Programme
is run in all Krista centres throughout the
nation.
The name Capable stands for child-centred
learning, acquisition of knowledge, practical
experiences, assessment provision,
benevolent inculcation, learn through play
and exploratory endeavours.
This programme is an all-encompassing
programme that guides children within the
four main segments individuality, effective
acquisition of knowledge, character building
and achieving competency as preparatory
groundwork for a successful lifelong learning
process.
The holistic approach of the programme
serves to mould and nurture children to
mature into balanced, resourceful, successful
and wonderful individuals while providing
them with beautiful and meaningful
childhood experiences during their
preschool years.
Lifes lessons and values are imparted to
children through plenty of fun experiential
learning activities in a safe environment
conducive to learning, where every child is
given the opportunity to develop holistically
Krista Capable Preschool Programmme offers

holistic approach to learning.
and have memorable childhood experiences.

Krista also believes that every child is
unique and takes care to provide the right
stimulus and environment to build
childrens self-esteem and self-confidence,
inculcate good values and discipline, and
stimulate and sustain the childrens interest
in learning new things about the world
around them.
As a result, children develop thinking,
cognitive, language, literacy and social skills
as well as other desirable and practical life
skills.
This programme is carried out by Krista
teachers who are regularly trained and
certified.
Since Krista opened its doors to young
children in early childhood years about
two decades ago, thousands of them have
benefited from the wonderful programmes
and meaningful activities carried out at
Krista centres throughout the nation.
n For more information, call 03-2141 7575

or e-mail info@krista.com.my or visit
www.kristaschools.com
bright kids 7
Fun English
AS the long school holidays are almost here,
Cambridge English For Life (CEFL) aims to
inspire and encourage your childs creative
spirit to learn English the fun way.
There are five holiday programmes
available at CEFL centres nationwide that
cover reading, writing, speech and drama:
l The Little Phonics Explorer
The programme is an introductory tool for
learning phonics and early writing skills.
Designed for four- to six-year-olds, the
programme provides hands-on learning with
fun activities such as flour writing, rainbow
writing and card games.
l Interactive Reading
Drawing inspiration from classic childrens
titles, each level equips learners with the
skills to identify the cross-curricular
relevance implicit in literature. Suitable for
children aged six to 12, students experience
and practise the English language through
comprehension activities, role-plays,
vocabulary games, writing activities, and a
variety of games, crafts and experiments.
l Speech and Drama
Designed for seven- to 12-year-olds, this
programme focuses on the process of
learning creative drama skills rather than
on producing perfect performances. The
programme will include activities such as
miming, reading, improvisations and using
voices to bring characters to life.
l Intensive English Programme
(Elementary and Pre-Intermediate)
The programme is designed to prepare
students for academic studies and
professional work in English. It is flexible,

offering learners a choice of modules and
course durations.
Each module uses real-life topics related to
jobs, sports and travel to gain the learners
interest and focus on different skill areas of
language development.
Learners also have the option to select the
Integrated Skills Programme, which lets
children practise their listening, speaking,
reading and writing skills.
l Public Speaking
Suitable for children aged 12 to 18, the
programme introduces and perfects the
skills required for effective public speaking
through the use of audio and video materials
combined with interactive group work.
Students will have the opportunity to
learn and practise public speaking elements
required in professional and academic
settings.

or visit www.cambridgeforlife.org
Students at CEFL experience and practise the

English language through fun activities.
Financial
literacy is
an important
practical skill
that children
will find useful
in life.
Become money smart

MONEY does not grow on trees is one the
most frequent pieces of advice parents give
to their children.
That phrase has stood the test of time
being passed on from our parents parents to
us and then onto our children meant to
create awareness that mindlessly spending
money can be dangerous.
However, repeating this phrase
continuously to children is not enough to
make them financially savvy.
Children go to school and study many
subjects such as mathematics, history,
languages, but money is not one of them
despite it being a big part of our lives.
The lack of education in money and
finances creates a negative impact on
childrens future as not knowing how to
handle money can easily lead to bad
decisions and negatively influence
childrens view about money.
Parents invest time and effort largely in
educating children to be respectful, have
proper manners and helping them obtain
social skills.
However, they do not necessarily put in
the same effort when it comes to teaching
money literacy to children.

Since money is a big part of our lives, the
knowledge of how to manage it is a great life
skill that children will find useful.
This is where MoneyTree programmes can
help. They give children a healthy idea of
what money is, how to obtain it, spend and
save and in overall help make sure kids are
set to obtain financial success.
MoneyTree has programmes designed
for different age groups MoneyTree Basic
Academy (six to eight years old), MoneyTree
Junior Academy (nine to 12 years old) and
MoneyTree Apprentice Academy (13 to 17
years old).
Being the leading financial literacy
provider in this region, MoneyTree
programmes have received endorsement
and certification from Singapore, Malaysia
and the United States.
Enrol your child in MoneyTree holiday
workshops or MoneyTree Academy
programmes and discover the incredible
impact of having strong financial literacy.

or visit www.moneytree.asia
8 bright kids
Student-centred learning
provides opportunities to
practise life skills that are
important for future careers.
A rewarding
education
IT is estimated that more than one billion
people around the world rely on Australian
inventions such as penicillin and black box
airplane flight recorders in their everyday
life (source: www.austrade.gov.au).
The country also boasts leaders in the
business world such as Rupert Murdoch and
Gina Rinehart who are both listed in Forbes
Fortune 500, in the sporting world such as
Olympic gold medallists Ian Thorpe and
Cathy Freeman, in the entertainment
industry such as Hugh Jackman, Nicole
Kidman and Kylie Minogue as well as top
universities of the world, including

Australian National University (ANU)
being in the top 20.
The unique Australian

education system
Most of these individuals would have
undergone the Australian education system,
which differs from other curricula by
having a big emphasis on building life
skills such as resilience, outstanding
communication, creativity, collaboration
and critical thinking skills, all of which are

vital to achieve success in life.
Australia provides high-quality, highequity curriculum, where students are
given opportunities to explore their areas
of interest and expertise, extend their
knowledge and understanding and excel in
an internationally recognised Higher School
Certificate (HSC), which provides direct
pathways to universities in Australia and is
accepted by top universities around the
world.
The Australian curriculum teaches
students to think and learn for themselves.
Australian International School Malaysia
(AISM) teachers adopt the Harvard
Graduate School of Educations Project Zero
method of teaching a range of thinking
routines during lessons.
These routines aim to support childrens
development to become self-directed
learners and typically consist of a series
of questions to lead students through the
steps of critical thinking and help them
understand idea formations.
AISM practises the Visible Learning
teaching pedagogy, which ensures the
progress of every child.
The Visible Learning teaching pedagogy
comes from Prof John Hatties
groundbreaking research and analysis of
800 educational studies. In this style of
teaching, AISM teachers see learning
through the eyes of students and help them
to become their own teachers.
Students are taught to think about their
learning, how they can improve, seek
feedback from teachers and fellow students,
ask questions, join in discussions and listen
to other peoples ideas.
Varied testing methods

In regards to assessments, 50% of the
overall final grade at the HSC level comes
from a final examination that is set and
marked in Australia and the other 50%
comes from school-based assignments,
examinations and projects undertaken
throughout the year.
This form of assessment provides every
student the opportunity to maximise their
grades and explore a range of international

tertiary pathways.
In essence, the Australian curriculum
concerns preparing each child to be a
competent, well-functioning and
communication-savvy adult as well as
preparing them to take up their place in
tertiary studies or the workplace.
Each subject develops skills that are
important for higher learning and fosters
the development of life skills, behaviours
and dispositions that help students navigate
their way in a dynamic world.
The increasingly specialised knowledge
and skills developed progressively in each
of the learning areas are recognised as
being excellent foundations for the range of
tertiary pathways available in Australian
and international universities.
This is the education system that has
helped mould and shape many Australian
global leaders who are creating great
impact in our globalised world today.
This is why the Australian education is
so highly regarded across the world.
As a parent, you would want to provide
the best education for your children. Give
them nothing less than a well-rounded
Australian education to set them up for
success in life.
AISM is hosting its Open Week from
Nov 23 to 28 from 10am to 1pm where
visitors can learn from the management
team about how the Australian curriculum
can meet your childs needs.
Various activities organised for parents
and children will be held during the Open
Week, including trial classes, science
experiments, Lego construction sessions, art
exploration, storytelling and student
creative arts showcases.
Visitors can also see classes in action and
the facilities during the school tours.
The AISM application fee is waived
during this period only and a special
promotion (waiver of 50% on admission
fee) is available for students entering
Year 11.

or e-mail events@aism.edu.my or visit
www.aism.edu.my
bright kids 9
Shifting
the focus
MANDYS son Jeremy (not their real names)
had always been a handful. As a preschooler,
he would tear through the house like a
tornado, shouting, roughhousing, and
climbing furniture.
He could not stay interested in any activity
for more than a few minutes and was being
disruptive at school.
Concerned about his condition, Mandy
sought professional help at International
Psychology Centre, which diagnosed
Jeremys issue as the behavioural disorder
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD).
ChildPsych implemented the Behavioural
Therapy programme, tailored to Jeremys
needs. The programme required Mandy to
learn and observe the skills taught to Jeremy
so that he could practise those skills at home
and school.
Before proceeding to the next session, a
review would be carried out to understand
Jeremys progress especially in terms of his
behaviour and attention span.
Psychonutritional therapy was also used
to treat the brains chemical imbalance
experienced by Jeremy, as seen in his
biochemical laboratory test
(neurotransmitter test).
Jeremys low dopamine level was causing
his impulsive behaviours and this therapy
used a series of supplements manufactured
ADHD is not about a child simply not

following the rules.
with natural herbs.

For example, one of the ingredients,
theanine, is found in green tea extract and
was able to help boost Jeremys dopamine
level back to optimal functioning level.
After 12 sessions of a combined therapeutic
programme, Jeremy was able to follow
instructions not only at home but also in
school.
His school teachers have complimented
his improvement and his attention span
improved from five minutes to
approximately half an hour. Jeremy was
also able to focus and attend an entire class
period without being disruptive during class.
Dr Edward Chan, principal consultant child
psychologist of ChildPsych, says, ADHD is
not plainly about disobeying rules but rather
an overwhelming flood of information
constantly received by children. To treat it is
like giving children a pair of glasses that
enable them to see properly again.
This article is brought to you by
ChildPsych, Centre for Children and
Adolescence Psychology of International
Psychology Centres team of psychologist and
psychonutritional therapists.
n For more information, call 03-2727 7437 or

e-mail childpsych@psychology.com.my or
visit www.psychology.com.my
Invest
in your
child
THE more globalised the world is, the
more important it becomes to be able to
communicate globally.
Confidence in using the English language
is particularly crucial for lifelong success,
says Lorna Whiston, founder of the Lorna
Whiston group.
We offer a diverse range of English
language programmes to help students
develop fluency in expressing their thoughts
and ideas.
Established in Singapore in 1980, Lorna
Whiston Sdn Bhd operates two language
centres in Kuala Lumpur, serving students
from four to 18 years old. The quality of its
English Language programmes is unrivalled.
Teaching a language requires a multifaceted approach so that students maintain
their interest and motivation, explains
Whiston.
Our syllabus is designed specifically
for Malaysian children, engaging them in
listening, speaking, reading and writing
in English, she says, adding that the
programmes are updated regularly to
ensure that they remain fresh, exciting and
relevant.
Lorna Whistons programmes are
approved by the Education Ministry and
include English language programmes for
various levels and aptitudes. They also
include classes in public speaking and
speech and drama.
The speech and drama as well as
public speaking programmes build
students ability to express themselves
The English
language
programmes
at Lorna
Whiston help
children
become
fluent in
expressing
their
thoughts.
creatively and confidently.

Weekly language classes build a solid
foundation in language and literacy skills
for younger children. Meanwhile, older
students work towards a more accurate and
sophisticated use of the English language and
are taught to express themselves confidently
through the written and spoken word.
Children aged four to six may also attend
intensive classes five days a week to receive
the best start to their formal education.
At the heart of all Lorna Whistons
language programmes is its highly successful
reading programme, which produces
competent readers who have a lifelong
passion for reading. Parental support with
reading at home is encouraged, especially in
the early years.
Lorna Whistons native-speaking teachers
are chosen not only for their qualifications
and experience, but also for their warm and
nurturing approach and their dedication to
students progress.
Lessons are interactive and small class
sizes ensure that students receive
individualised attention from the teacher and
a personal approach to their development.
Each centre is fully equipped with
multimedia computers and interactive white
boards. Moreover, a library of more than
10,000 books ensures students are never
short of a new book to read or a new world
to explore.
n For more information,

visit www.lornawhiston.com.my
10 bright kids
STUDENTS understand that living

away from home is an experience
they will have to face at some point
in their educational careers
It is a time of discovery as
students learn to juggle their
course load with domestic chores,
create their own personal
sanctuary while sharing space with
strangers, and struggle with the
occasional pangs of homesickness.
As home is where the heart is,
Sunway International School (SIS)
puts in every effort to make
students feel that its boarding
facility SIS House is a home away
from home.
SIS House is aimed at evoking
all the comforts of home and
nurturing an environment
conducive to intellectual pursuits
and fostering camaraderie.
The five-storey SIS House
residence features an expansive
facility equipped with services
such as laundry, housekeeping and
security.
Boarders are presented with
amenities for their every need,
including air-conditioned twinsharing rooms, individual study
carrels, personal wardrobes with
security boxes, multiple hot-water
shower and washroom cubicles.
Cable television, board games,
reference books and novels, and
high-speed Wi-Fi access in the SIS
House Lounge, a common area for
boarders to relax and connect, help
boarders occupy their free time
productively.
Home away from home
Sing-along nights are one of the many activities that keep boarders
entertained.
SIS Houses distinctive feature is

its committed full-time residential
team that defines the residential
experience at SIS House.
A live-in house master,
supported by resident executives,
oversees the students welfare,
providing a high degree of pastoral
care to ensure boarders live in
a harmonious and respectful
community.
Round-the-clock security guards
and security cameras keep a
watchful eye over boarders safety

and contribute to maintaining
discipline and order at SIS House.
At SIS House, boarders are
assigned to shared units for a
reason we want these individuals
from different backgrounds,
nationalities and exposures to
discover and learn from each
others experiences and cultures.
Our boarders return from their
classes to a safe and inviting
sanctuary where they can expect a
warm welcome and friendly faces,

says SIS House master Foo Lai
Tuan.
Located within the schools
ground, the proximity ensures
boarders can securely and
conveniently participate in night
study and extracurricular activities
for a comprehensive boarding
experience.
Night study is a critical feature
to the boarding experience. Held
weekly, a teacher from the schools
faculty supervises preparatory
sessions in the evenings and
provides academic guidance to
boarders struggling with their
coursework.
Festive celebrations rank among
the most anticipated activities in
the boarders calendars. The
Ramadan breaking of fast and
Chinese Lunar New Year feasts
are regular traditions that are
celebrated in wholehearted unity.
For a balanced experience,
regular fun-filled days for sports
and games are held to encourage
boarders to be physically active
and healthy, learn communication
skills, cultivate teamwork and have
a respite from the pressures of
school work.
External excursions such as
trekking, watching international
sports competitions and visits to

local attractions are also regularly
organised.
These serve a secondary purpose
of being a cultural orientation as
well, educating them of the rich
heritage and history of their host
country.
The organisational skills,
independence and responsibility
that SIS House boarders display
when they graduate are traits they
earn from living with others at the
boarding facility.
The reward is seeing our
boarders form close-knit, caring
and cohesive units built on a
foundation of compromise, trust
and an ever-ready willingness to
help, says Foo.
Boarding at SIS House is a
comprehensive and life-changing
experience with many means to
develop and promote boarders
academic and personal growth.
The experience teaches boarders
to cohabitate with peers from
different walks of life and stand on
their own two feet.
You can visit SIS during its
Application Week from Nov 23 to
28.

call 03-7491 8070.
With the guidance

of native Englishspeaking teachers,
Morris Allen
English instils in
students a firm
foundation of
English language
skills.
Learning for enjoyment

AFTER spending a year working hard to
score their best in the final examinations,
many students are looking forward to the
holidays in which they can kick back and
have fun.
However, there is always some catching
up to do when students return to school
after a long break. Morris Allen English
believes learning should never end and,
most importantly, should be fun.
For this reason, the Morris Allen English
Holiday Programme was developed. It offers
a range of short courses that helps students
continue to develop their skills in English in a
fun and interactive learning environment.
The two-week holiday programme consists
of several nine-lesson short courses,
which include fun learning activities that
reflect Morris Allen Englishs interactive
approach.
The range of short courses focuses
on different English language skills.
Back by popular demand, Morris Allen
English is offering the speech and drama
course, where the focus is on speaking skills
and building personal confidence.
In this course, students get involved in
fun speaking and role-playing exercises,
oral reading to entertain and speech
presentations with guidance from trained
teachers who are native English speakers.
Morris Allen English also has a range of
courses that incorporates reading of good
childrens literature and development of

writing skills.
These courses help students enjoy reading
more as they read and enjoy some great
books together.
Students will also grow in comprehension
and vocabulary skills as they participate in
interactive learning activities that are
designed around these books.
Besides that, they will explore the writing
styles of the authors and how they can use
some of the techniques of successful authors
in their own writing.
As Morris Allen English understands that
laying good foundations for learning English
must start early, it includes short courses
for younger students in this holiday
programme.
These include pre-nursery and phonics
courses that are fun, interactive and
specifically aimed at developing a love
for learning in younger children.
At Morris Allen English, learning and fun
are combined so that learning does not have
to stop during the school holidays.
Keeping young brains active by taking
part in the Morris Allen English Holiday
Programme is a sure way for children to
build stronger English skills for the start
of their 2016 school year.

or visit www.morrisallen-malaysia.com
THE high-calibre curriculum

offered under the National
Curriculum for England at
Epsom College in Malaysia
(Epsom) is developed in line
with the college vision, which is
to provide exceptional all-round
academic and co-curricular
opportunities as well as teach
children to aim for excellence
and value both achievement and
endeavour.
Taught in English by an
almost exclusively UK-trained
staff, students follow the Early
Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Curriculum, while those in the
Prep School (ages 6 to 11) learn
the New English Curriculum.
Senior school students study
IGCSEs and A-Levels. Students
learning English as an
Additional Language (EAL) are
supported with additional
classes or one-to-one tutorials.
Step by step
The curriculum at Epsom
allows a developing focus on
personal interests and strengths
as students progress. The EYFS
curriculum adapted in the Early
Years Programme provides a
great start for children, building
skill, confidence and knowledge,
while encouraging the
development of creativity and
personal values.
In pre-prep and prep school,
the curriculum promotes four
aspects of achievement: oral and
written knowledge, practical
application, development of
personal and social skills, and
confidence through selfdiscipline. These build on the
values and lessons learnt in
early years education.
Students in Years 7 to 9
study a broad and balanced
curriculum, which has a clear
intrinsic worth of its own, while
also building a strong
foundation for IGCSE study in
Years 10 and 11.
Under the IGCSE curriculum,
students are required to take on
10 or more subjects seven core
subjects (English language,
English literature, mathematics,
biology, chemistry, physics and
one modern language), plus
three or four optional ones from
a choice of 14 subjects covering
the arts, humanities and
language.
The majority of students in
the Lower Sixth (Year 12) study
four AS subjects and in the
Upper Sixth (Year 13), students
continue with three or four of
their subjects to A2 level.
Students have the option to
take the Extended Project
Qualification (EPQ) and they
are also prepared for the
International English Language
Testing System (IELTS)
examination.
Sixth Formers aspiring to
gain entry to Oxford,
Cambridge or other elite
Russell Group UK universities
are given additional tutorials,
as are students preparing for
specific entry examination
papers for medicine or law as
well as the American SAT.
The A-Levels programme is
offered as either a two-year or
an 18-month (starting next
year) course at Epsom,
bright kids 11
Local British option

designed to smoothen students
transition to top universities
worldwide. In addition, Years 9
and 10 students are given career
guidance to help them consider
their options after school.
Opportunities abound
When Adrienne Kuster moved
to Malaysia with her family, she
had already been studying the
British curriculum since Year 5.
She intends to attend university
in the United Kingdom.
Having lived in the UK, we
knew of Epsom UKs reputation
and were excited to have a
familiar school for Adrienne in
Malaysia, says parent Suzanne
Kuster.
Adrienne enrolled in the
Lower Sixth last year as her
parents wanted to provide her a
great education to prepare for
university. Adrienne plans to
combine her interests in sports
and business by pursuing
Business Management in Sports
at university and greatly benefits
from and enjoys the emphasis
given to sports at Epsom.
She has an excellent
relationship with the teaching
staff, who push her to do her
best. Besides her sports
coaching, Adrienne has also
taken up several opportunities to
get involved in local charity
programmes on top of extensive
co-curricular involvement, says
Suzanne.
Together, these activities
provide an avenue for social
development alongside academic
excellence.
Besides providing a sound
educational progression for
children of expatriates, Epsom
also offers a unique experience
for Malaysian students looking
to pursue university education
in the UK.
The British curriculum is also
widely recognised around the
world, which opens up many
more doors for students with an
Epsom education.
n For more information, visit

www.epsomcollege.edu.my
Adrienne
Kuster
enjoys
the
emphasis
given to
sports at
Epsom.
An extensive
offering of
sports and
co-curricular
activities
strengthens
the
educational
experience at
Epsom,
alongside
solid
curriculum.
12 bright kids
WITH the Government strongly

backing the expansion of private
and international educational
institutions in the country, parents
now have a much wider range of
schooling experience to choose from
for their children.
As what is best for one child may
not be the same for another, most
of these new schools focus on
individual abilities and aims,
working closely with each child
to build on their strengths.
Your childs aspirations and
achievements should be the
primary points to consider when
looking for the right school.
Many parents and children prefer
private or international schooling
for a variety of reasons, including
an all-encompassing academic and
co-curricular approach, solid
curriculum and pedagogy, top-notch
facilities and an environment
conducive to overall development.
Here are a few things you should
know about the private and
international school systems if you
are considering placing your child
in one:
l A wide range of academic
programmes Privately owned
and operated schools typically have
their own teaching curriculum, text
books and manuals.
Contrary to the public education
Considering a new school

system, there is less emphasis on
rote-learning techniques and more
on developing individual thinking
skills, curiosity and interest.
l A great variety of curricula
With international schools, you can
find adaptations of different foreign
national syllabi in schools all over
the country.
Schools also offer globally
recognised curricula such as the
International Baccalaureate and the
International General Certificate of
Secondary Education (IGCSE).
On top of that, some schools
offer a mixed curriculum that
often combines the Malaysian
national syllabus with a foreign
one.
Qualifications from these schools
are globally recognised by institutes
of higher learning, so international
school graduates have better
chances of pursuing tertiary
education overseas.
The holistic approach most
private and international schools
adopt ensure that there is an
extensive offering of co-curricular
and charitable activities for learning
beyond the classroom.

l Strong parent-school
cooperation Parents have to fork
out a significant amount of school
fees annually, but many find such
investments in a childs education
not only worthy but also greatly
rewarding.
These schools are accountable to
parents who fund operations and
keep a close eye on the quality of
education their children are getting.
Parents are expected to
communicate with teachers
and staff not only about their childs
performance but also with regards
to the schools management policies
and development plans.
The childs education then
becomes a shared responsibility
between students, parents, teachers
and the school.
l Focused individual attention
in smaller class sizes Private
and international school teachers
shoulder far less administrative
tasks compared to their
counterparts in the public sector.
Smaller class sizes increase oneon-one teacher-student interaction,
enabling teachers to pay closer

attention and guide students
based on individual needs.
l First-class facilities and
non-academic staff Amenities
such as libraries, laboratories
and sports facilities are fixtures
of almost every private and
international school.
These facilities are supported
by well-trained librarians, lab
technicians and athletic coaches
who play specialised roles
outside the traditional classroom.
l Safety and health
concerns These schools
maintain stringent health and
safety standards.
Most private and international

institutions invest in safety and
security measures such as traffic
management and security guards
within campus vicinity.
Meals are well-planned and
varied to provide good nutrition
while still being exciting and
appetising to young students.
Kitchen staff may also be
willing to cater to specific
dietary requirements.
These are some of the
international schools offering
curricula that you can consider
for your child at primary or
secondary level:
School
British
curriculum
Location
elc International College

Epsom College in Malaysia
Sungai Buloh, Selangor

Bandar Enstek, Negri
Sembilan

Garden International School
Marlborough College
Malaysia
Asia Metropolitan
Asia Pacific International
School
Austin Heights International
School
British International School
Subang Jaya, Selangor

Kuala Lumpur
Nusajaya, Johor
Raffles American School

MontKiara International
School
International School of Kuala
Lumpur
Dalat International School
International School of
Kuantan
Nusajaya, Johor
Mont'Kiara, Kuala
Lumpur
Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Australian
curriculum
Australian International
School Malaysia (AISM)
Selangor
Canadian
curriculum
Sunway International School
Subang Jaya, Selangor
Islamic
curriculum
Idrissi International Primary

School
Al-Noor International School
Baseerah International
School
International Islamic School
International Modern Arabic
School
Shah Alam, Selangor
American
curriculum
IB World Schools
International UCSI International School
Baccalaureate Springhill
(IB)
Fairview International
School
IB Diploma
IGB International School
Nexus International School
Sri KDU International School
Excelsior International
School
International School of
Penang
International School of KL
Source: Schooladvisor.my
Ipoh, Perak
Subang, Selangor
Johor Baru
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tanjung Bunga, Penang

Kuantan, Pahang
Kuala Lumpur
Batu Caves, Selangor
Gombak, Selangor
Putrajaya
Location
Port Dickson, Negri
Sembilan
Wangsa Maju, Kuala
Lumpur
Location
Sungai Buloh, Selangor
Putrajaya
Selangor
Masai, Johor
Batu Feringgi,
Penang
Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
A SAVVY and responsible couple

will certainly think about
finances when planning a
family, especially in this current
volatile economic climate.
Well-meaning friends and
family may tell you that starting
as soon as possible to save for
your childs education is the best
way to go.
If you are planning a private
or international education for
your child, this will certainly
seem like a good idea.
Earlier this year, the
headmaster of Eton College, one
of the United Kingdoms premier
private schools, said that the best
independent schools may have
become too expensive for
middle-class families.
Careful planning will go a long
way to achieving your goal of
obtaining the best education for
your child.
Here are some things to do:
l Assess your long-term
financial health
You do not want to be
burdened by too many expenses
at the detriment of your childs
education.
While thinking about your
childs education, think about
your own healthcare or housing
expenses as well.
l Ensure you are fully
protected
Good life and health insurance
coverage and a comprehensive
retirement plan will help ensure
that your child is able to
continue his education should
anything happen to you.
School
bright kids 13
Fees or an investment?
l Talk to your employer
Check the number of
allowances in your income tax
form; most employers allow
changes outside the open
enrolment period for changes in
family status.
l Talk to your bank
Find out about flexible
spending accounts and
investment plans that are
specifically tailored for
childrens education.
l Find out about
financial aids
There are numerous
scholarships, bursaries and even
bank loans that can help. Some
states, such as Selangor and
Terengganu, offer scholarships
for children born and raised
there provided the parents are
from the same residence.
While curriculum,
co-curricular offerings, teachers
and facilities are all important
factors when it comes to
choosing the best school for you
and your childs requirements,
never forget that finances play a
big part.
To help you make your
selection, here is a list of tuition
fees for primary and secondary
levels at international schools in
the Klang Valley:
Fees per term

Year 1
Year 7
Terms per
academic year
Idrissi International Primary

School
RM1,150
Rafflesia International School
RM6,000
Eaton International School
RM7,865
EtonHouse International School
RM10,500
Sri KDU International School
RM11,500
RM12,333
elc International School
RM4,800
RM9,600
RM5,320
RM7,300
Al-Noor International School
RM2,400
RM3,600
Australian International
School Malaysia
RM9,875
RM13,765
Asia Pacific International School
RM5,200
RM8,900
Baseerah International School
RM5,750
RM1,650
British International School
RM18,118
RM26,081
Fairview International School
RM12,000 RM21,150
Garden International School
RM20,170
RM25,795
Havil International School
RM4,447
RM7,400
HELP International School
RM9,900
RM13,200
IGB International School
RM30,250 RM35,750
MAZ International School
RM4,500
RM7,000
Mutiara International
Grammar School
RM5,200
RM11,700
Nexus International School
RM14,160
RM19,375
Time International School
RM7,130
RM8,625
The International School

@ ParkCity
RM13,190
RM18,140
The Alice Smith School
RM16,030 RM20,650
Tenby International School
RM5,040
RM10,050
Taylors International School
RM5,780
RM10,370
Tanarata International School
RM4,200
RM5,200
Sri Kuala Lumpur

RM7,650
RM11,380
(Malaysian)
RM11,780
(nonMalaysian)
Source: Schooladvisor.my
Planning for a private or

international education
should start early,
especially when it
comes to finances.
14 bright kids
The annual R.E.A.L Kids Fun Camp

provides children with a memorable
holiday filled with wholesome fun
and enriching activities.
FOR children everywhere, the most

eagerly awaited time of the year is
approaching and for parents, the
long year-end holidays are an
opportunity to spend quality time
with their children.
However, the question for many
parents is, How can my children
spend their school holidays
wisely?
For busy working parents, filling
up their childrens idle hours with
wholesome activities can be a
challenging task, particularly
during the holidays. It is not easy
to keep young and robust children
entertained or occupied for long.
Their restless minds and energetic
bodies require constant stimulation
and active involvement.
Consequently, they end up
wasting too much time watching
television or playing video games
as there is nothing much else to do.
With this in mind, R.E.A.L Kids
offers an exciting avenue for
children to get active.
The four-day November Fun
Camp is organised for children
aged four to nine and keeps them
busy during the holidays.
With its slogan Fun Camp On
The Go, the annual R.E.A.L Fun
Camp event will be held at all
R.E.A.L Kids centres in the Klang
Valley, Penang, Johor and Malacca
and is open to non-R.E.A.L Kids
students as well.
The objective of the camp
is to provide children with a
memorable holiday filled with
wholesome fun and enriching
activities.
R.E.A.L Kids various indoor and
outdoor programmes are designed
to hone different skills, nurture
good values, build self-confidence
test at all R.E.A.L Kids centres for

parents to better understand their
childrens strengths and personally
experience a unique brand of
preschool education.
Established in 1986, R.E.A.L Kids
is the countrys largest owneroperated preschool with more than
30 centres nationwide.
Part of the R.E.A.L Education
Group, R.E.A.L Kids is the pioneer
in adopting the multiple
intelligences approach in
Malaysian preschool education.
All R.E.A.L. Kids centres provide
full programmes (from 8.30am to
3.30pm), which include a host of
enrichment lessons and extracurricular activities.
These complement a fully
developed and holistic curriculum,
which offers both national and
international syllabi. Extended
programmes are also available to
cater to busy, working parents.
Happy campers
and, most importantly, allow
children to have great fun while
learning.
With this years theme being
transportation, the Fun Camps
special outings will include a visit
to a do-it-yourself motorised car
workshop followed by a stopover
at Muzium Negara to view the
countrys collection of vintage
vehicles and other modes of
transport such as trains and
planes.
The workshop is aimed at
sparking childrens interest in do-ityourself activities and the basic
workings of a car by teaching them
how to assemble miniature car
models fitted with functional,
battery-powered motors that

promise loads of fun.
The safety of the children is of
utmost importance, so rest assured
that all R.E.A.L Kids teachers
take extra care of every child
throughout the activities.
Overall, the R.E.A.L Kids Fun
Camp 2015 is set to provide good
education and enjoyment over the
four days.
With a range of fun activities
that include art and craft, cooking,
Character First lessons and a
string of exciting telematches,
participants will have a blast
while learning something new,
unleashing their creativity and
talents as well as developing
social skills.
As a parent, I always want more
for my child. At R.E.A.L Kids,
students are exposed to a broad
and diverse range of unique
activities and exciting excursions
for them to enjoy. These fun
learning platforms consist of
educational visits and field trips to
a host of places such as museums,
says Cheryl Chong Wan Ling,
mother to Chua Jen Shen from
R.E.A.L Kids Puchong Jaya.
This year also marks the 30th
anniversary of R.E.A.L Education
Group. In conjunction with this
milestone, R.E.A.L is offering a free
three-day trial and complimentary
multiple intelligences diagnostic

call 03-5631 8000 or visit
www.realkids.edu.my
R.E.A.L Fun Camp
Theme: Transportation
Date: Nov 23 to 26
(Monday to Thursday)
Time: 9am to 4pm
Venue: All participating
R.E.A.L Kids centres
Age: Four to nine years
old (open to public)
Fee: RM320 for four days
(inclusive of meals,
outings and activity
materials).
Unusual
schools
ONE thing that all good modern curricula
have in common is that they prepare the
students for the real world to be a
successful global citizen, in fact.
Any good modern school will have
comprehensive facilities to aid in the
delivery of these curricula and for
co-curricula activities that help shape a
well-rounded student.
But there are some curricula and schools
that do not conform to what most people
imagine school to be like.
Here are some unusual schools and
curricula around the world:
l Brooklyn Free School, United States
There is actually no curriculum at the school
students are allowed to choose any class
they want to attend. Classes are run by
students with teachers acting as moderators.
Students may choose to study at home,
carry out independent studies instead of
attending classes or they may decide to just
play all day. There is no assessment or
homework.
Meetings are held every week to monitor
and determine the schools operation,
management and admission criteria.
Basically, the Brooklyn Free School expects
every student to find his or her own way.
l Floating schools, Bangladesh The

biannual floods that Bangladesh experiences
frequently leave millions of citizens without
access to basic necessities, including
education as schools are forced to close.
To combat this problem, non-profit
The floating schools in Bangladesh ensure

access to education even in the midst of a
natural disaster.
organisation Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha

built boat schools, each of which is solarpowered and equipped with Internet access,
a laptop and a small library.
During a flood, the schools pick up
students from docks and riversides. When
lessons are over, the school drops students
off and picks up another group of students.
According to the organisation, 70,000
children have benefited from the schools
since they started operation in 2002.
l Washington Heights Elementary

School, United States This school in Texas
is underground not in the sense that it is
secret from authorities such as the girls
schools in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan
are, but that it is literally underground.
Originally built above ground in 1919, the
need for more buildings and facilities saw it
expanding underground in the 1970s. Once
construction of the underground building
was completed, the original aboveground
school building was demolished, though the
auditorium, which was constructed in 1937,
was left standing.
All classes are held underground and the
school is only connected to the surface at
four points with stairways and lifts. There is
a playground on the roof of the auditorium.
THERE are many options for

Malaysian parents who want
to send their children to an
international school that delivers
international curricula using
English as the language of
instruction.
The demand for international
schools has increased
tremendously over the past few
years because parents have come
to recognise the importance of the
English language.
Good English skills are necessary
for tertiary education and improve
the employment prospects of
graduates.
In fact, some private schools
have switched to offering
international curricula.
Most schools are British-based,
offering the national curriculum of
England and Wales as well as the
Cambridge curriculum, where
students sit for the International
General Certificate of Secondary
Education (IGCSE).
Some schools offer alternative
curricula such as the International
Baccalaureate, Australian
Curriculum and American
curriculum.
International schools provide
opportunities for students to
develop their talents beyond
academia through varied
extracurricular activities such as
music, drama, art and sports.
As international education
aims to develop well-rounded
students, individuals are
encouraged to pursue non-
bright kids 15
Discover the best option
Parents crowd the Private & International School Fair as it is a platform to

discover vital information about private and international schooling options.
academic interests as well.

With more than 100
international schools in Malaysia
offering different curricula and a
wide variety of extracurricular
opportunities, it is important
for parents who are interested
in sending their children to
international schools to spend the
necessary time and effort finding
the right schools for their
children.
To help parents find the right

school that suits their children,
Mint Communications initiated
the first Private & International
School Fair series in 2012.
These fairs enable parents to
find out more about international
schooling options. The fairs have
since attracted a growing number
of exhibitors comprising
international schools, preschools
and learning centres.
The number of visitors,

comprising mainly parents of
school-going children, has also
increased over the years, indicating
an increasing demand for
The next Private & International
School Fair will be held on Nov 7
and 8 at the Mid Valley Exhibition
Centre, which will be the sixth such
fair held in Kuala Lumpur.
Co-founder and director of Mint
Communications Nickie Yew says,
The fair has grown from strength
to strength and we anticipate the
participation of more than 60
exhibitors.
This fair is for parents who
want to know more about
international schooling options
as they will be able to speak to
representatives from these schools
directly.
In addition to meeting and
speaking to principals and head
teachers from international schools
that are exhibiting, there will also
be talks on international curricula
and how to choose the right school
during the two-day event.
There will also be interesting
workshops and activities for
children below 12 years old.
Visit www.pisf.asia for the
complete schedule of talks and
activities for children.
Another highlight of the fair is

that visitors will be able to get
the latest 2015/2016 edition of
Education Destination Malaysia,
a comprehensive guidebook that
lists all international schools in
Malaysia and contains useful
information and advice for parents
who are planning or preparing to
enrol their children in
Admission is free. Visitors who
register online at www.pisf.asia
before the fair will gain instant
access to the fair in addition to a
complimentary goody bag and
a chance to win prizes from
Legoland or MPH Bookstores.
n For the complete list

of exhibitors, visit
www.PrivateInternationalSchoolFair
.com
Event details:
6th Private &
International School Fair
in Kuala Lumpur
Date: Nov 7 and 8
(Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 11am to 6pm
Venue: Mid Valley
Exhibition Centre
16 bright kids
Cultural arts immersion

Taking part in
traditional music
performances
can nurture
appreciation for
Malaysian
culture.
PABLO PICASSO once famously

stated, Art washes away from the
soul the dust of everyday life.
Many believe that a balance of
the arts and studies is key to
developing an all-rounded,
healthy, happy individual.
Exposure to the arts teaches
students how to interpret and
think critically.
Nowadays, the arts are often
pushed aside for virtual games
and entertainment. However,
with gradual exposure
and continuous
outings, you can
instil in your child
an appreciation
for human
creativity with
activities that
are enjoyable
for the entire
family.
l Watch a
show at your
nearest theatre
This is a fun and
satisfying experience.
Malaysias
performing arts
scene is growing
by the day.
Istana Budaya
is home to all types of theatre

within Malaysia, KLPac offers a
variety of productions showcasing
young talents, while PenangPAC
presents art exhibitions, live
concerts and much more. There
will surely be a performance that
would prove entertaining and
enriching, as they range from
original local productions to clever
comedies and hit Broadway
musicals.
Perhaps watching a live show
will awaken hidden talents and
passions within your child.
l Attend a concert or festival

Older children may enjoy festivals
celebrating local and international
cultures.
The upcoming Melaka Tourism
Street Carnival is one example of a
cultural festival where families can
take part in modern and traditional
games and watch traditional music
and dance performances.
Malaysia hosts many cultural
and music festivals throughout the
year the KL International Arts
Festival and the internationally
acclaimed annual Rainforest World
Music Festival in Sarawak are
among the more popular ones.
These events are often family
friendly and safe, but should only
be attended by older and more

responsible members of the youth.
l Immerse your child in

age-old traditions It is true that
the modern generation is not
sufficiently exposed to our
countrys traditional aspects so
why not allow for the rediscovery
of timeless classical art within a
new era?
The Central Market in Kuala
Lumpur showcases frequent
multicultural shows performed on
an outdoor stage, from martial arts
demonstrations to cultural dances.
l Art exhibition can be fun
and eye-opening Aspiring young
artists can wonder at exhibits of
creative artwork by whimsical
minds, most of which are displayed
frequently in shopping centres and
art galleries.
Publika is one of the many malls
in KL with regular exhibitions for
those who enjoy contemporary,
contemplative artworks.
For a more interactive
experience, Penangs 3D Trick Art
Museum and Port Dicksons Alive
3D Art Gallery allow fanciful
fantasies, including posing with
Alice at the Mad Hatters tea party,
to become reality. All it takes is a
photograph for your child to

believe they have wandered into a
new world.
l Involve your child in the arts

scene Enrolling in art classes is a
good way to improve memory, gain
sharper problem-solving skills and
stimulate the imagination.
Similarly, taking dance, music
and drama lessons can instil
inspiration and confidence from
a young age.
The Actors Studio Academy at
both KLPac and PenangPAC offer
unique workshops such as creative
writing, speech and drama, dance
and musical theatre that will surely
set minds whirring.
There are many institutes that
offers classes in traditional dances
and music.
This is an excellent way to
nurture an appreciation for
Malaysian culture in children of
all ages. These help encourage the
development of an innovative and
original way of thinking.
Regardless of age, participation
in such creative outlets of
expression will surely prove
valuable and satisfying for your
child, creating memories and
lessons that will carry them
through their lives.
17
18
19
20
The Star, tuesday 3 november 2015
bright kids 21
Innovation beyond borders

Smart Reader Worldwide
commenced business operations in
1998 under the leadership of its
chief executive officer Datuk Seri
Dr Richard Ong and group
executive director Datin Seri Datuk
Dr K. H. Wang and opened its pilot
centre in Subang in 1999.
Since its humble beginnings
as Smart Education Centre,
which only provided the Smart
Reader English programme, the
company has grown by
leaps and bounds to become a
world-renowned organisation
today.
The Smart Reader brand has
become a household name in
Malaysia and on foreign shores
in Thailand, the Philippines,
Brunei, China and the Middle East.
In the last couple of years,
Smart Reader Worldwide has
aggressively forged ahead with
overseas expansion.
The organisation has prioritised
extensive development plans in
the Middle East to make it the
premier early childhood education
provider in the region.
Last year, the first Smart Reader
Kids centre was established in Abu
Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates
(UAE).
The official opening and launch
of the second centre in the city of
Al Ain in the UAE is set to take
place soon. Plans are also
underway to set up the first Smart
Reader Kids centre in Nigeria and
Turkey.
In Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, the
Smart Reader Kids centres are
housed in luxurious three-storey
villas with large playgrounds and
spacious rooms.
International franchisees
Rasheed Abdulla Rashed Saeed
Aldhaheri and Mhd Samer Alotri
hope to expand into the markets of
other emirates and neighbouring
countries such as Oman and Qatar.
While the Middle East is gearing
to be the next regional hub of early
childhood education for Smart
Reader Worldwide, another
language and enrichment centre
has already been established in
Melbourne, Australia.
A Smart Reader Kids centre will
also begin operation in Medan,
Indonesia, by next year and Hong
Kong is the next target.
The Smart Reader English
programme and Smart Reader
Mandarin programme will be the
main focus of the language
centres.
Datuk Seri Dr Richard Ong (fifth from left) at the Smart Reader Kids Abu Dhabi centre.
Besides overseas expansion, the

organisations existing 350 centres
in Sabah and Sarawak and
peninsular Malaysia are being
fortified as well.
New and exciting, fun-filled
programmes have been introduced
to the Malaysian market, making it
the No.1 choice among parents
nationwide.
Comprehensive research and
development are constantly
conducted to ensure that the new
programmes introduced are
current and relevant to suit the
present dynamic environment.
Besides the classic Smart Reader
Kids and Smart Reader Kids++
programmes, centres are now
offering the Smart Reader Kids
Islamic, Smart Reader Kids
Mandarin Medium and the Smart
Reader Kids Intensive English
programmes.
The Smart Reader Kids
Mandarin Medium is popular
among parents who want to
prepare their children for formal
schooling in Chinese while
Smart Reader Kids Islamic offers
the comprehensive Smart Tadris
curriculum for Muslim children
from as young as three years old.
The royal patron of the Smart
Tadris programme is the Raja
Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed
Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed
Sirajuddin Jamalullail while the
The Smart Reader Kids Intensive English Programme focuses on

developing vocabulary, and communication and public speaking
skills.
The children in the Smart Reader Kids Islamic programme learn to become
expressive, creative and imaginative.
honorary advisor is Datuk Abu

Hasan Din Al-Hafiz, the former
religious advisor of Istana Negara.
The Smart Reader Kids++, an
extension of the Smart Reader Kids
programme, provides full- and
half-day care and education.
Working parents with young
children who face childcare
challenges find this programme
helpful, especially with the
introduction of the Smart Fun Play
programme.
The Smart Fun Play programme
uses soft toys in play and is
designed to nurture children to be
caring, independent and skilled in
taking care of themselves and
things in their care.
For example, play and creative

activities with Bobo the Bear are
designed with the objective of
providing a holistic learning
experience for Smart Reader Kids
students.
The introduction of the Smart
Programme is seen as timely,
especially with the recent
announcement by the Education
Ministry that the UPSR public
examinations English paper will be
separated into two sections
comprehension and composition.
Focusing on building a strong
foundation in the English language,
children learn various aspects of
the language vocabulary, poem
The Smart Reader Kids++ programme enables children to

experience a wonderful school environment conducive to
learning.
recitation, public speaking,

storytelling and creative writing
through the Intensive English
Programme.
Parents believe that the Smart
programme is the best way to
enhance and enrich learners
literacy skills at preschool level.
Children have been known to
attain high proficiency levels
with the help of this innovative
programme.
The expansion of the
programme also includes the
setting up of crches in corporate
and government buildings
throughout the nation.
The first corporate crche
set up under the Smart Reader
Worldwide banner is set to open
soon within the premises of its
headquarters in Kepong Business
Park. It will be housed in the
Smart Reader International (SRI)
College building.
The establishing of this
corporate crche is aimed at
catering to the working
population of fathers and
mothers in the vicinity of
Segambut, Kepong, Jalan Ipoh
and other nearby areas.
The corporate crche is
seen as a timely solution for
households with young children
that do not have a baby-sitter,
maid or nanny.
Smart Reader Worldwide and
SRI College have heeded the call of
the Government to offer childcare
services within organisations.
Providing such childcare services
ensures better concentration
among staff and enhances work
performance.
This is because parents can rest
assured that their children are
nurtured in a safe and secured
environment with highly trained
educators.
The centre is equipped with
state-of-the-art facilities that
provide children with a holistic
early childhood experience.
Quality early childhood
education has lifelong implications
as it provides a solid foundation of
learning for all children.
Not only does it help cultivate
social and interactive skills but
it also helps in language and
cognitive development as well as
nurturing emotional maturity,
says Dr Wang.
True to its tagline, Smart Reader
Kids is indeed every childs dream
school.
Franchisee of Smart Reader Kids Bandar Baru Bangi Datin Nor

Hidayawati Jaafar with her Smart Tadris students.
22 bright kids
Nurturing holistic learners

CHILDRENS early education
experience should be considered
carefully by parents because a
wonderful learning experience
should captivate children and
sustain their interest.
Without a doubt, parents go to
great lengths to select the best
preschool for their children.
In this respect, hundreds of
thousands of parents have given
double thumbs-up for the
programmes initiated by Smart
Reader Worldwide, which
comprise Smart Reader Kids,
Smart Reader Kids++, Smart
Reader Kids Islamic, Smart Reader
Kids Mandarin Medium and the
Smart Reader Kids Intensive
English Programme.
For three consecutive years
(2011 to 2013), Readers Digest
conferred Smart Reader
Worldwide with the Trusted Brand
Award in the category of Childrens
Education Centre.
Voted for by consumers, this
significant award symbolised the
status of Smart Reader Worldwide
as the foremost early childhood
education provider in the region.
The success and popularity of
the various programmes is seen
in the way children engage in
a holistic early childhood
education experience, attesting
that Smart Reader Kids is indeed
every childs dream school.
Parents are often baffled about
why their children insist on going
to school even when they are ill.
The answer lies in the fun and
creative learning process that is
part of the Smart Reader Kids
curriculum.
The Smart Reader Kids
curriculum is based on the Smart
Reader Creative Teaching
Methodology, which has received
worldwide recognition and
accolades from various bodies and
organisations that have attested to
the excellence of its programmes.
Parents affirm the remarkable
progress that children make within
a few months of being in the
programme.
The Smart Reader Creative
Teaching Methodology was
founded by group executive
director of Smart Reader
Worldwide Datin Seri Datuk Dr K.
H. Wang to make lessons fun and
exciting for children.
More importantly, this creative
approach to teaching and learning
has been able to capture childrens
attention and sustain interest in
the learning process.
Tuanku Raja Muda Perlis and Raja Puan Muda Perlis (seated, second and third from left respectively) with franchisee Alias Ayob (seated, left) of Smart Reader
Kids Taman Sri Bahagia, Kangar, and Jalan Arau-Kodiang, Arau, during their Sports Day.
(From left) Keefe Ong, regulatory manager of Smart Reader Worldwide; Jahabarnisa Haja Mohideen, general manager
of Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Kevan Ong, executive director of Smart Reader Worldwide; Wilson Teoh, managing
director of USJ Car Express Sdn Bhd and Tony Lee, sales manager of USJ Car Express Sdn Bhd with Smart Reader
Kids SS19 Subang Jaya.
Smart Reader Kids Bukit Kuda, Klang, presenting the Field of Lilies at Royal
Floria 2015, Putrajaya.
Children in the programme are

not only interested in learning but
also strive to show off their best
talents during performances for
large crowds.
Smart Reader Kids Islamic students of Seremban Jaya centre performing

during the Ramadan month.
In June this year, children

from Smart Reader Kids Bukit
Kuda, Klang, put on a splendid
performance titled Field of Lillies
before the Queen, Seri Paduka
Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong

Tuanku Hajah Haminah Hamidun,
during the official launch of the
Royal Floria 2015 exhibition in
Putrajaya.
During its annual Sports Day
event in Perlis, franchisee Alias
Ayob from Smart Reader Kids
Taman Sri Bahagia, Kangar, and
Jalan Arau-Kodiang, Arau, was
honoured to have royal guests the
Raja of Perlis and the Raja
Perempuan of Perlis as well as the
Raja Muda of Perlis and Raja Puan
Muda of Perlis to grace the event
held at Padang New Trafford,
Istana Arau, Perlis.
This memorable event included
fun games and activities and
students and parents had the
opportunity to take photographs
with the royal guests. A total of 178
students participated in the Sports
The Smart Reader Creative Teaching Methodology brings out the best in
every child.
Day event.
During Ramadan in June and
July this year, children from
various Smart Reader Kids were
invited to perform at the Ifthar
Ramadan activities during the
breaking of fast at leading hotels
throughout the nation.
Meanwhile, renowned Japanese
car company Honda collaborated
with Smart Reader Worldwide to
organise a colouring competition,
card-decorating competition and
sushi-making activity for the
children of the respective Smart
Reader Kids centres in the vicinity
of Honda showrooms.
In Sabah and Sarawak, various
activities and competitions were
held to showcase the talents of the
children.
Among them were the
Pertandingan Membaca Jawi,
Pertandingan Bercerita Dalam
Bahasa Arab, Smart Challenge,
Smart Reader Quiz and Dress Up
Bobo the Bear competitions.
In May, Sports Day in Kuching
saw 800 students from 11 centres
participating in the mammoth
event.
The Smart Reader Kids Intensive
English Programme graduation
ceremony was held in different
regions to display the academic
skills of the students.
The graduation ceremonies were
held in shopping malls for the
public to also join in on witnessing
these meaningful events.
These were proud moments for
parents of more than 700 children,
which were the first batch of
students graduating from the
Smart Reader Kids Intensive
English Programme.
Graduating students received a
certificate, a medal and a panda
soft toy each.
The exposure to various
experiences in a young childs life
opens up inquisitive minds to
creative reasoning and problemsolving techniques, thus aiding
cognitive development.
Smart Reader Worldwide is on
a quest to nurture not only
children who will one day be
pillars of the nation but also worldclass citizens who will be the
future generation of exemplary
global leaders, says chief
executive officer of Smart Reader
Worldwide Datuk Seri Dr Richard
Ong.
WHILE intensifying efforts to offer

exceptional services to meet the
ever-growing needs of parents,
leading early childhood education
franchise provider Smart Reader
Worldwide never forgets the needy
and less fortunate.
As part of its corporate social
responsibility (CSR) initiatives,
the organisation has helped
underprivileged children gain
access to quality preschool
education via the National One
Child One Hope Education
Scholarship programme.
The National One Child One
Hope Education Scholarship
programme aims to give children
access to quality preschool
education and a solid educational
base.
A strong educational foundation
can help encourage the emotional,
social, physical, creative and
cognitive development of children.
After all, every child deserves
the right to quality preschool
education, regardless of gender,
background or socio-economic
status.
The programme is supported by
the Yayasan Tuanku Syed Putra,
Yayasan DiRaja Sultan Mizan and
Smart Reader Kids centres
nationwide, which identify needy
children and formally write to
Smart Reader Worldwide for
assistance to place them in the
quality early childhood
programme.
The franchisor also supports
these children through the
provision of uniforms, shoes,
schoolbags, books, worksheets and
other items.
been committed to helping
underprivileged children since the
inception of the National One Child
One Hope Education Scholarship
programme in 2009. Thus far, the
programme has benefited more
than 500 less fortunate children
nationwide.
These noble efforts were
recognised by Global Business
Corporation in 2012 when Smart
Reader Worldwide was conferred
the Business Management Award
for Corporate Social Responsibility
in Lima, Peru.
Every year, Smart Reader
Worldwide invites children from
various homes to participate in
festive activities and celebrations
such as Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali
and Chinese New Year.
Early this year, the organisation
played host to about 120 children
from various homes in the Klang
Valley.
The joyous Chinese New Year
celebration ended with the
children receiving ang pau from
bright kids 23
Giving back to society
Honorary advisor of the Smart Reader Kids Islamic programme Datuk Abu
Hasan Din Al-Hafiz (standing second from left) and regulatory manager of
Smart Reader Worldwide Keefe Ong (standing third from left) with the
children from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim Al-Nasuha.
The National
One Child One
Hope Education
Scholarship
programme has
benefited more than
500 less fortunate
children nationwide.
the chief executive officer Datuk
Seri Dr Richard Ong and the group
Dr K. H. Wang.
Smart Reader Worldwide also
extended its CSR services recently
by initiating the Hope Channel,
which shows how Smart Reader
Worldwide fulfils the wishes of
needy individuals to make their
lives more meaningful. This
activity is filmed and published on
YouTube.
Besides educational assistance,
Smart Reader Worldwide is
committed to responding to the
needs of the community in other
aspects.
When the devastating
earthquake struck Nepal in April,
contributed RM5,000 to the Nepal
Earthquake Childrens Appeal fund
through MERCY Malaysia.
In January this year, parents
and children from all Smart
Reader Kids centres in Sarawak
The staff and management of Smart Reader Worldwide with senior citizens
in Sunshine Nursing Home during a Chinese New Year visit.
contributed to victims of the

Kuching flood disaster.
Smart Reader Worldwide also
contributed in kind to aid the flood
victims in Kelantan.
After the Mount Kinabalu
earthquake, Smart Reader
Worldwide contributed 34 bags of
rice to the Kinabalu Mountain
Guides Association to help ease the
burden of members and their
families who were affected by the
calamity.
During the month of Ramadan,
right before the Hari Raya
celebrations, Smart Reader
Worldwide put together a day to
remember for 70 orphans from the
Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak
Yatim Al-Nasuha in Batu Caves,
Selangor.
The management and staff
of Smart Reader Worldwide,
president of the Association of
Professional Early Childhood
Providers Malaysia (APECP)
Shamina Krishna and honorary
advisor of the Smart Reader Kids
Islamic programme Datuk Abu
Hasan Din Al-Hafiz visited the
orphans.
Sharing the joy of the festive
season with everyone, especially
the underprivileged, is certainly a
rewarding experience.
The visit to Pertubuhan
Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim
Al-Nasuha was part of Smart
Reader Worldwides CSR initiative
to organise more meaningful
events that bring joy and
Chief executive officer of Smart Reader Worldwide Datuk Seri Dr Richard

Ong (second from left) and group executive director of Smart Reader
Worldwide Datin Seri Datuk Dr K. H. Wang (third from left) with the
competition winners during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration.
Smart Reader Worldwides chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Richard Ong
(in black coat), executive director Kevan Ong (in blue coat) and regulatory
manager Keefe Ong (in blue tie) pose with Smart Reader Kids students.
happiness to children, says Keefe

Ong, regulatory manager of Smart
Reader Worldwide.
More recently, Smart Reader
Worldwide made a contribution
of RM2,000 to the Ti-Ratana
Welfare Society, which houses
underprivileged children in their
home. The cheque was presented
in conjunction with the MidAutumn Lantern Festival
celebrations in September.
The exciting activities arranged
for the underprivileged children
from Ti-Ratana Welfare Society
included a presentation of The
Legend of the Moon Festival,
performances by Smart Reader
Kids Selayang Jaya and Bukit Sri
Bintang, Kepong, Mooncake Eating
Competition, Pick-It-Up
Holistic education is the key to a sustainable

world.
Competition and The Best Lantern

Competition.
The founders of Smart Reader
Worldwide believe that quality
early childhood education should
not be the domain of the elite few
but should be accessible to all
children regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Having pioneered the Smart
Reader Kids programme, Smart
Reader Worldwide is carving a
name for itself as not only the
leading provider of early
childhood education, care and
development, but also a caring and
concerned member of society that
desires to give back to the
community.
Education is the best gift one
can give to a child, says Dr Wang.
The Smart Reader Creative Teaching Methodology is designed to

develop and elicit creativity in young children.
24 bright kids
Fifteen years of recognition

THIS year marks the 15th year that
Smart Reader Worldwide has been
presenting awards to its highperforming franchisees who are
successfully operating Smart
Reader Kids and Smart Reader
Kids++ child enrichment centres
throughout Malaysia.
Besides the annual affair of
presenting awards to its
franchisees, the leading early
childhood education franchisor
has also received recognition
and accolades locally and
internationally year after year.
To date, numerous noteworthy
milestones have been established
by this multi-award winning
organisation along the journey of
its remarkable success story.
Last month, Smart Reader
Worldwide received the Triumph
Award during the BIZZ Arabic
2015 Awards in Muscat, Oman.
Besides the organisation, the
co-founders of Smart Reader
Worldwide also created milestones
in their own right.
Chief executive officer Datuk
Seri Dr Richard Ong and group
Dr K. H. Wang are recipients of
various local and international
awards, making them multi-award
winners.
commenced business operations
in 1998 under the leadership of
Dr Ong and Dr Wang, with the first
centre established in Subang in
1999.
Both of them have steered the
company to the pinnacle of
success, with the organisation
earning the highest accolades in
the early childhood education
industry.
Together, they have radically
changed the landscape of early
childhood education, care and
development in Malaysia.
For all their efforts and
contribution to the early childhood
education industry, Dr Ong and
Dr Wang have received a string of
recognitions in honour of their
personal and corporate
achievements for Smart Reader
Worldwide.
Some of the international
awards received by Dr Ong in the
past several years include World
Entrepreneurial Leader, World
Business Leader and Excellence in
Business Leadership.
Datuk Seri Dr Richard Ong (third from left) receiving the Master Class Award as Asean Entrepreneurial Leader.
In 2011, at the Stevie

International Business Awards in
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,
he was named Executive of the
Year.
In June this year, at the Asean
Outstanding Business Awards 2015
organised by Asean Retail-Chains
and Franchise Federation, Dr Ong
was conferred the Master Class
Award for Asean Entrepreneurial
Leader.
Last month, at the BIZZ Arabic
awards event in Muscat, Oman,
Dr Ong was recognised as the
World Leader in Education.
In the meantime, Dr Wang was
conferred Visionary Educator
Award at the BIZZ 2015 in Las
Vegas, the United States, this year.
With 31 local and international
awards to her name, Dr Wang
has garnered the most number
of awards of any woman
entrepreneur in Malaysia, as
endorsed by The Malaysia Book
of Records in 2011.
During the Women of Excellence
event last year, she was named
Lady Extraordinaire.
Some of the other impressive
achievements by Dr Wang include
being conveyed awards by the
Malaysia Achievement Hall of
Fame for Women Achievement of
the Year 2012, Stevie Awards for
Women in Business 2010 for Best
Asian Entrepreneur (New York, US)
Datin Seri Datuk Dr K. H. Wang, the woman entrepreneur in Malaysia to have

garnered the most number of awards, receives her Visionary Educator Award
trophy in Las Vegas, the United States.
and winning the National Woman

Entrepreneur Award 2009.
With various distinctive awards
won since its inception, Smart
Reader Worldwide has become a
multi-award winning organisation
making quality its second name.
In 2005, the Smart Reader Kids
child enrichment centres were
endorsed by The Malaysia Book of
Records as the largest chain of
child enrichment centres in the
country with 125 centres.
International franchisees at a press conference: (from left) Amelia Kokasih, Budiarto Karim, Ashley Ong, Datuk Seri Dr
Richard Ong, Datin Seri Datuk Dr K. H. Wang, Rashed Abdulla Rashed Saeed Aldhaheri and Mhd Samer Mhd Samir
Alotri.
The record remained unbeaten

and, seven years later, in 2012,
Smart Reader Kids was re-endorsed
by The Malaysia Book of Records,
this time with 308 centres
nationwide.
In addition, for three consecutive
years from 2011 to 2013, Readers
Digest conferred Smart Reader
Worldwide with the Trusted Brand
Award in the category of Childrens

Education Centre.
Voted by consumers, this award
served to affirm the status of
Smart Reader Worldwide as the
foremost early childhood
education provider in the region.
In 2013, the organisation
received the Be A Legend award in
Los Cabos, Mexico. Furthermore,
the European Society for Quality
Research presented the company
with the European Award For Best
Practices in 2012 in Amsterdam,
Netherlands.
Smart Reader Worldwide was
also named Company of the Year
as a Distinguished Stevie Honoree
during the Stevie Awards in Abu
Dhabi, UAE.
Recognition within the country
includes the Superbrands, Super
Excellent Brands and the Sin Chew
Business Excellence awards in the
Product and Service Quality
Excellence.
With more than a hundred local
and international awards from
Malaysia, the Philippines,
Singapore, Vietnam, the UAE,
Switzerland, the US, the UK, the
Netherlands, France, Spain,
Germany, Italy, Mexico, Peru and
Panama on its banner, Smart
Reader Worldwide is clearly
marking its boundaries to be an
organisation of worldwide
reputation.
enjoyed phenomenal success over
the last two decades in the early
childhood education industry.
The continued efforts of the
organisation are made more
meaningful with the success
stories of the excellence of children
all over the world.
We need a teaching approach
that moves along with a changing
and challenging world. We have
to put in extraordinary effort to
expand young minds to bring out
their best potential, says Dr Wang.
Her philosophy is to bring the
world to the children as you guide
them around the globe.
continues its quest to reach even
the remotest parts of the globe to
bring quality early childhood
educational experience to all
children.
Datuk Seri Dr Richard Ong with the World Leader in Education Award and
Datin Seri Datuk Dr K. H. Wang with the Triumph Award for Smart Reader
Worldwide in Muscat, Oman, recently.

Bright Kids - 3 November 2015

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